Adaptive neuronal induction motor control with an 84‐pulse voltage source converter

This paper deals with the problem of harmonic distortion in velocity control drives for large horsepower three‐phase induction motors. A new solution alternative to considerably reduce harmonic distortion in controlled large‐capacity induction motors is introduced. An adaptive neural velocity reference trajectory tracking control scheme based on an 84‐pulse voltage source converter for large horsepower three‐phase induction motors is proposed. Desired flux modulus control is simultaneously performed. Adaptive controller parameters are adjustable online using B‐spline artificial neural networks. Variable load torque of the handled mechanical dynamic system is assumed to be uncertain. Real‐time estimations or measurements of dynamic load torque are unnecessary. Bézier curves are used for desired smooth motion planning to take a large induction motor from its starting towards an operating velocity. Moreover, motion planning is exploited for evasion of harmful mechanical oscillations as well as large peak values of voltages and currents. Closed‐loop efficient velocity profile tracking is confirmed on a 500‐hp induction motor. Comparisons with 6‐pulse and 12‐pulse conventional voltage source converters are also included to highlight the superior energy efficiency of the proposed 84‐pulse ac motor drive. A very low total harmonic distortion of the multiple‐pulse reconstructed three‐phase control voltage signals is also proved. Analytical and numerical results prove the effectiveness and efficiency of the introduced 84‐pulse adaptive neuronal dynamic tracking control strategy.